Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) 10th Anniversary Reception
12904 Brushwood Terrace, Potomac
As prepared
Good evening! I appreciate the opportunity to join everyone tonight for this celebration with The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy.
The celebration highlights some of the hard work that made it possible for the MCAEL to create and sustain a strong network of providers which has shown positive outcomes in terms of research-based program development as well as indicators of success for the learners.
This happened because the County Council made adult English literacy a priority and sought to tackle the high demand of English classes and support the efforts of isolated community programs.
From 2003 to 2005, then Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Mike Subin, and Tom Perez (who is now leading the DNC), worked in coordination with providers and community stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to improve the delivery system.
They have our gratitude along with people such as MCAEL’s former Director Rachel Peric; my Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Short; and so many others such as Executive Director Kathy Stevens; Program and Admin Assistant Kelly Johnson; Communications Coordinator Monica Buitrago; ESOL Instructional and Program Coordinator Sherry Lyons; and Program Manager Rudie Jeung … just to name a few.
Now, since 2008, MCAEL has nearly doubled in size - both in terms of budget and human capital. This has allowed MCAEL to have a program team with both program management and instructional expertise serving about 15,000 adults each year.
Additionally, a communications staff has been hired to support increased community outreach and engagement. Leveraging increased County funding and external funding streams, MCAEL has added to, and diversified, its capacity-building and public education and engagement programs.
And believe me, we need ALL of that and more, because more than 130,000 adults in Montgomery County alone are identified as Limited in their English Proficiency
That’s why I’m so happy to see so many here tonight. Together, Montgomery County can do more to assist and empower our community by continuing to support organizations like the MCAEL.
Congratulations on the milestone, and let’s keep the fires of education burning brightly!
Thank you!
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Release ID: 17-067Tuesday, May 23; 7 p.m.